The Okemos boys tennis coach just wasn't exactly sure if that would lead to the success he thought was possible.

It has for the Division 2 top-ranked Chiefs, who enter this weekend's state finals trying to put the finishing touches on a perfect season.

"We have this phenomenal tennis history and it's been a decade since we brought a state championship back," Silker said. "It's really important to these kids to really bring one home since that hasn't happened in so long."

Russ Olcheske doesn't necessarily have the hardest practicing or most focused team he's ever had since taking over at Holt.

But he can't argue with the results of this year's group.

The Rams won their first regional title since 1973 and have posted wins over strong programs like Grand Blanc and Traverse City Central in a successful fall. And they also tied for the title at the CAAC Blue tournament with Okemos.

"When it comes time for the match, they are ready to go," Olcheske said. "They compete harder than any group I've ever had. The brighter the lights, the better for these guys. They love the big tournaments, the conference tournament, the regional tournament. There is just an extra drive they have when it comes to winning matches that I haven't seen with other teams.

Can they respond at the biggest stage - the state finals? That is the mission for the Rams and they believe it could be a fitting way to cap a historic season. Holt has never finished in the top 10 in the state finals and is trying to do that this weekend.

"I think we're all really excited just to be at states, but we all know that we have a chance to be able to actually win some matches and let everyone in Michigan know how good we are," Holt senior Jake Gilman said.

CHASING REPEATS

A step up a division didn't phase Williamston's Oliver Weaver during the regional tourney.

And now the senior will try to navigate his way to another title at No. 1 singles this weekend. Weaver was the state champ at No. 1 singles in Division 4 a year ago, and will try to duplicate that in Division 3. where he is the No. 3 seed.